The Galaxy A14 and Redmi 12 compete in the same smartphone category. We are talking about products that offer basic packages without 5G mobile networks, in order to keep costs low for consumers.
But between Samsung and Xiaomi, which standard option offers the best experience? Check out the detailed answers in this comparison below.
Design and connectivity
Samsung Galaxy A14
Both manufacturers have worked on the design of the device, reminiscent of the more expensive models. Both the Galaxy and Redmi have placed the cameras separately on the back. The difference is that the Koreans prefer a vertical arrangement, while the Chinese prefer a triangular arrangement. There are plastic corners on both sides. However, Xiaomi has decided to include a glass back, giving a premium touch to the segment. In addition, this model has IP53 certification for resistance to dust and water. At least these two are similar when it comes to the biometric reader integrated into the power button.
Redmi 12
The Redmi 12 has a few more features than its Samsung rival. The list ranges from more advanced functions than the color matrices of its competitors to infrared beams that work as TV remote controls. The phone supports memory expansion via microSD. The A14, on the other hand, benefits from having a dedicated memory card slot in the triple drawer instead of a shared slot like a Dual hybrid solution. 5th generation Wi-Fi is guaranteed in the Korean, but the Chinese Bluetooth 5.3 is more advanced than Samsung's 5.1 version.
Screen
Both smartphones feature LCD screens and Full HD+ resolution. Brightness is good for the category, but only the Redmi 12 has above-average contrast. It still has a 6.8-inch screen, which is larger and better for front-facing use than the A14's 6.6-inch screen. The Redmi also has a difference in the 90Hz refresh rate. This means it offers more fluid system animations than Samsung's own 60Hz rival panel.
However, don't expect supported streaming playback and HDR technology to improve endurance on this model.
System
These devices come with Android 13 as the base operating system. Both manufacturers promise two major software updates for this model, guaranteeing up to version 15 for the “little robots” inside. Don’t expect a faster network, as it is limited to 4G technology.
In terms of liquidity, Redmi finally benefits from a panel with a higher refresh rate. As for features, both offer the option to expand the RAM as part of the storage, but MIUI Redmi 12 does not reduce features as seen in higher-end models such as the One UI Core found in the Galaxy A14.
Performance
The A14 sold in Brazil is equipped with the Exynos 850 chip, while the Redmi 12 It is equipped with the Helio G88 platform. The memory is no different, both offer 4 GB of RAM. Tests show that the Chinese have an advantage in this aspect, with a total time of two rounds 40 seconds shorter. Benchmarks confirm the superiority of the Chinese companies with a clear victory in all indicators. In AnTuTu, Redmi scores about 52% more than Galaxy. Since we are talking about two basic items, the GPU will only be able to run more complex games at medium quality.
Battery
Both brands do not stand out for their battery, but they install the 5,000 mAh capacity, which is currently the market standard. However, this does not mean equal autonomy. In our benchmark tests, the Galaxy recorded almost 28 hours, almost 5 hours less than Redmi achieved. Samsung also beat Xiaomi in charging. The Korean company sent a 15W adapter that can reach 100% in less than 2 hours. The Chinese company sent a more powerful 22.5 W accessory, but the process took almost 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete.
Cameras
Both the handsets feature a triple photography setup led by a 50MP primary camera. Completing the trio are 2MP macro cameras each, 5MP ultra-wide cameras on the A14, and 8MP cameras on the Redmi 12. Both phones take decent photos on sunny days, but the Redmi lacks in dynamic range and fails to reduce blown-out backgrounds in HDR mode.
Only the Chinese use night mode to make the image sharper. Even without this feature, the Galaxy manages to take sharper photos even in low light. Although its ultrawide sensors struggle in low light, the A14 still records better dynamic range and contrast than its competitors.
Price
Of the two, only the Galaxy A14 4G It was officially launched in the Brazilian market with a recommended price of R$1,500. It is currently available at retail for R$800, a cheaper price than the R$950 charged for the Redmi 12 when purchased from national importers.
